Meet Chelsea Sargent Lira: Chef-Owner Houston Grazing Tables

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Sargent Lira and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I knew I needed to think outside the box and how I wanted to live my day to day life. I value my time so much and by creating a job that I had control over my time was all I desired. Yes there are a lot of moments of time where I sometime wish I did not had to do said “work” but because I turned my passion into my career, I get to have both. I get to work like we all have to do to achieve any goals, and I have a lot of time to keep being creative and adding products to my business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was lucky to grow up all over the world. Moving at least every two years, if not more due to my fathers career. But of course that came with consequence. School was terribly hard for me. I went to second grade twice and then when I moved to Scotland they had be skip 5th grade. I was bullied as well growing up and had to switch schools because it got so bad. I was different. artsy, wore the wrong clothes. People now applaud me for my individuality, but that was not the case when I was young. And we all know how much harder things can feel when young. Having these hard times only made me want to drive to be more, prove myself. Life is not easy, so do what you want. Just work hard. I absolutely love being creative. I paint, make jewelry, floral work, plant lover. food! I tried a ton of different business ideas but it all needed to work together. Now I make beautiful displays of food, grazing boxes that can include flowers and handcrafted jewelry. It took everything I loved and wrapped it into one! So I can keep being creative and keep adapting to the changes this world loves to make.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many amazing places in Houston!!! We love to go to he museums, so that is always a must when friends come into town. Nippon is a really nice Japanese Restaurant close to the museum distract that we like to go to for lunch or dinner. It is a bit more intimate so we do not take large parties here. We also love Bollo Woodier Pizza cause me and my husband love good pizza!! Then Simply Pho is my husbands favorite. He enjoys a very spicy bowl of pho every now and then and that is his go to! Of course the breweries in Houston are not something you can forget. We really enjoy 8th Wonder brewery, the location is fun as well because there are a lot of new bars and restaurants walking distance. Something for everyone. And right around the corner from there is Nancy’s Hustle. We enjoy sitting at the bar so we can watch how amazing the kitchen can handle a dinner rush. Houston is amazing and I am so happy to live here! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All the people close to my life need shoutouts to letting me be confident to open my own business. My husband, boyfriend at the time really pushed me to Dream Big, We both own Houston Grazing Tables together. Having him on my side was all I really needed. I always knew I would have a partner who would encourage me to have my own business. Hard to admit, but Stewart encourages me more than I do myself. My parents of course are a big help. Always offering to help at any time. I am also blessed with an army of amazing friends who are nothing but exceptional. always asking if I need help, even just to make a delivery for me. I am so lucky and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people in my corner.

Website: houstongrazingtables.com
Instagram: @houstongrazingtables & @cookingforstew
Twitter: @cookingforstew
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houstongrazingtables
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/houston-grazing-tables-houston
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyRSAmNfIltSttt7tfZDttA

Image Credits
My Husband Stewart Lira is our photographer for all our events!